| Subject: | Government and policy making |
| Topic: | Devolution |
| Year: | 2014 | 2013 |
A think-tank report examined the potential long-run fiscal pressures for an independent Scotland, how these would differ from those facing the United Kingdom, and the size of the fiscal consolidation that might be required to ensure sustainability. It said that there was uncertainty surrounding future borrowing and debt in Scotland, but the analysis suggested that a significant further fiscal tightening would be required beyond that already announced by the United Kingdom government. The report said that these fiscal pressures should be considered alongside any discussions about post-independence restructuring of Scottish taxation and public spending.
Source: Michael Amior, Rowena Crawford, and Gemma Tetlow, Fiscal Sustainability of an Independent Scotland, Institute for Fiscal Studies
Links: Report | IFS press release | Scottish government press release | Guardian report | BBC report
Date: 2013-Nov
A government report set out the case for Scottish independence. It covered a range of issues that included: finance and the economy; health, well-being, and social protection; education, skills, and employment; international relations and defence; justice, security, and home affairs; environment, rural Scotland, energy, and resources; culture, communications, and digital; and democracy and government.
Source: Scotland's Future: Your guide to an independent Scotland, Scottish Government
Links: Report | Summary | Scottish Government press release | Law Society of Scotland press release | RSS press release | Unite press release | Daily Mail report | Guardian report | IPPR report | Public Finance report | Telegraph report | Third Sector report
Date: 2013-Nov
A report outlined proposals for a post-independence tax system for Scotland.
Source: Principles for a Modern and Efficient Tax System in an Independent Scotland, Fiscal Commission Working Group, Scottish Government
Links: Report | Summary | Scottish Government press release | BBC report
Date: 2013-Nov
A report examined the consequences of Scottish independence for the United Kingdom research environment, including publicly funded institutions. It said that the research base was important to the United Kingdom's (including Scotland's) innovation and economic success, and highlighted ways in which Scottish research benefited from its wider connections.
Source: Scotland Analysis: Science and research, Cm 8728, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, TSO
Links: Report | DBIS press release | Universities Scotland press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2013-Nov
A government report examined the potential position of Scotland within the European Union, post-independence.
Source: Scotland in the European Union, Scottish Government
Date: 2013-Nov
A report outlined proposals for post-independence fiscal rules for Scotland.
Source: Fiscal Rules and Fiscal Commissions, Fiscal Commission Working Group, Scottish Government
Links: Report | Summary | Scottish Government press release | BBC report
Date: 2013-Nov
The United Kingdom government announced that additional financial powers would be devolved to Wales. The announcement was made in response to the Commission on Devolution in Wales (the Silk Commission). A formal response to the Commission would be issued later in 2013.
Source: Powers for Wales in biggest devolution in decades, Wales Office press release | Ministerial statement | Finance Minister for Wales press release | CBI press release | LGA press release
Date: 2013-Nov
A government report outlined the implications of Scottish independence for economic policy choices.
Source: Building Security and Creating Opportunity: Economic policy choices in an independent Scotland, Scottish Government
Links: Report | Summary | Scottish Government press release | BBC report | Telegraph report
Date: 2013-Nov